Although the latest figures have yet to be published, Secretary-General John Scanlon of CITES already reports the illegal killings of elephants in Africa is likely to run into tens of thousands in 2011. At the ongoing rate, according to Scanlon, illegal activities are pushing the species to extinction.

Uganda Wildlife Authority launched a wildlife portal featuring all the 10 national parks, game reserves and activities UWA is undertaking to preserve Uganda’s precious wildlife and protected areas. It is designed to promote Uganda as a premier tourist destination to a global market.

Kenya wants to start a forensics and molecular biology laboratory, to enhance studies in population genetics and reduce poaching activities by providing credible prosecutorial evidence in court. The plans for the ‘wildlife CSI’ have now received a major boost, following the promise of a renowed American Institute to provide for the money for equipment.

Conservationists often accuse China of not doing sufficient in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, but the country seems to step up its efforts. China has recently not only established an inter-agency CITES group – and is rewarded by CITES for its operations this year- , the Chinese are also cooperating with TRAFFIC to train hundreds of police.